In 1924, during her first year at the Bauhaus, Marianne Brandt designed the MT 49 tea infuser in the metal workshop. László Moholy-Nagy supported her work. Silver and ebony, however, were expensive materials: even at the Bauhaus, that choice drew criticism. [1]
The Met describes an object intended to make concentrated tea, diluted afterwards in the cup. Its semicircular handle sits high to make pouring easier: the geometric shapes have a job. It is a concrete example of a visual detail guiding the hand. [2]
Take this with youOur exercise: look at your cup’s handle and consider the gesture it suggests. Geometry, at least here, is buying the drinks.
Read the sources (2)
- Tee-Extraktkännchen (MT 49) Bauhaus Kooperation · accessed 9 Sept 2026
- Tea Infuser and Strainer The Metropolitan Museum of Art · accessed 9 Sept 2026
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